TEXANS NOTES: Williams wins weekly NFL honor

By John McClain |
September 13, 2007

NFL honors Williams

The NFL voted defensive end Mario Williams as defensive player of the week for his performance in Sunday's 20-3 victory over Kansas City. Williams had five tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble return for a touchdown.

"It's the first time I've won something like that," he said. "It's amazing. Hopefully, our defense will see a lot of that."

Demps in demand

Safety Will Demps, signed to a one-year deal for $900,000 this week, was on the practice field with his new teammates for the first time Wednesday.

"He's smart and well-respected," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He played on one of the best defenses (Ravens) in the league before going to the Giants last year.

"We'll see how much defense he grasps, but he's going to have to be ready to go. He's in the exact same position that (safety Michael) Boulware was in last week. He's going to have to know enough defense to be able to play and be a factor on special teams."

Demps turned down an offer from Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome to return to his former team.

Carr must pay

Quarterback David Carr, who signed with Carolina after spending his first five seasons with the Texans, is looking forward to seeing his former teammates.

"I'll go out to dinner with a couple of those guys (Texans) the night before the game, but they're definitely the opponent," Carr told Carolina media Wednesday.

Center Steve McKinney said he will go to dinner with Carr on two conditions.

"He's got to pick me up, and he's got to pick up the tab," McKinney said. "Dave and I are friends. We text-message all the time. I'm glad he's doing well."